Brian James Pavelko (CRD #6347352) Has Regulatory and Employment Separation Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Brian James Pavelko (CRD #6347352) was previously registered as a broker. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 5, 2026. It reflects one pending regulatory event and one employment separation disclosure. If you invested with Brian Pavelko and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Action(s)

Brian Pavelko’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects one pending regulatory event. A summary is below:

On September 25, 2025, FINRA initiated a complaint (Case #2020066757804). The complaint states that Pavelko failed to comply with FINRA requests for documents and information. The requests related to his receipt of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance from the New Jersey Department of Labor. FINRA lists the matter as pending.

Supporting document: FINRA Complaint (PDF)

Employment Separation

Brian Pavelko’s FINRA BrokerCheck report also reflects one employment separation disclosure. A summary is below:

On December 23, 2025, NI Advisors reported that Pavelko voluntarily resigned. The disclosure links the resignation to FINRA Case #2020066757804. It states that FINRA made a preliminary determination on September 10, 2024 recommending disciplinary action. The disclosure states the case remains pending.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 8210 (Provision of Information and Testimony)

FINRA Rule 8210 allows FINRA to request documents, information, and testimony during an investigation. A refusal or incomplete response can lead to disciplinary action.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade)

FINRA Rule 2010 requires firms and associated persons to follow high standards of commercial honor. FINRA often cites it alongside other rule violations in enforcement matters.

Why This Matters to Investors (Regulation Best Interest)

Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) is a U.S. securities regulation. It strengthens the standard of conduct that broker-dealers owe to retail investors. It applies when they recommend securities transactions or investment strategies. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Reg BI. It became effective on June 30, 2020. Reg BI aims to protect investors while preserving access to brokerage products and services.

Reg BI requires broker-dealers and financial advisors to act in a retail customer’s best interest at the time of a recommendation. They must not place their own financial or other interests ahead of the customer’s. This standard is higher than the older “suitability” rule. Suitability meant a recommendation only had to be appropriate. It did not have to be the best option or free of conflicts.

Reg BI has four key obligations:

Disclosure Obligation – Broker-dealers must disclose material facts about the relationship and the recommendation. This includes fees, the scope of services, and conflicts of interest.

Care Obligation – Broker-dealers must use reasonable diligence, care, and skill. They must consider costs, risks, and alternatives when making a recommendation.

Conflict of Interest Obligation – Firms must identify conflicts of interest. They must disclose them and mitigate or eliminate them. This includes conflicts that create incentives to favor one product over another.

Compliance Obligation – Firms must maintain policies and procedures. Those policies should be designed to ensure compliance with Reg BI as a whole.

Reg BI applies to each recommendation. It is not a continuous duty like the fiduciary standard for registered investment advisers. Even so, it narrows the gap. It puts more focus on costs, conflicts, and investor-focused decision-making.

Overall, Regulation Best Interest promotes transparency. It also aims to improve the quality of investment recommendations. It is designed to reinforce trust between retail investors and broker-dealers in the U.S. securities markets.

Background Information (from BrokerCheck)

Based on His FINRA BrokerCheck report, Brian Pavelko:

Is not currently registered.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Brian Pavelko has also passed Series 7 and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include NI Advisors, SW Financial, Democracy Funding LLC, and Coastal Equities, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Brian Pavelko and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate potential recovery options. You may be entitled to pursue a claim through FINRA arbitration, depending on the facts of your situation. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Unsuitable Investments | Securities Attorney

For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors and helped hold financial professionals accountable. Our firm represents clients nationwide in securities arbitration and related disputes. If you believe a broker or firm mishandled your account, an attorney can review the facts and explain possible next steps.